About Thomas C.

About Tom

A love of music began in the third grade. I started on a silver metal clarinet and have not stopped playing. I am a musician, composer, arranger and performer. I hold a B.A. in music and have taught in the schools for 28 years. I bring extensive knowledge and humor to my teaching. I enjoy working with all age levels and pride myself on being intensely positive.

*** Lesson Details ***The focus of music lessons is to overcome problems and increase skill and enjoyment in performance. I always want to focus on what was done well and carefully work on skills that will increase enjoyment. I will play with you to model and help you self correct as you learn musical concepts and musicianship. We will use method books for fundamentals and supplement with music that interest the students. After a time students will learn skills needed to perf

orm a wider range of music

*** Studio Equipment ***Most instruments

*** Travel Equipment ***I expect the student to provide an instrument, method book, stand and supplies for that instrument. I will bring an instrument to play along and model.

*** Specialties ***Kodaly and Orff methods

...

Reviews

Alex Q. June 29, 2018·Saxophone·In studio

Tom always delivers. The man is music made human.

Manny January 1, 2018·Piano·In studio

Tim is an expect at both music and teaching. He is personable and very good at teaching my son respect, and piano.

Simeon H. May 21, 2016·Trumpet·In studio

My grandson is 8. He dreams about learning to play the trumpet. Today was his first lesson from Mr. Tom Cross. The lesson was delivered perfectly at his level. With positive reinforcement. Clear direction. Humor. All the way home my grandson smiled!

About Melody

Are you looking to sing or play keyboard, work on material for your band, build your repertoire, sing or play in the church choir/band, audition for a production, become a better lead singer in your rock or pop band, overcome stage-fright or wanting to get to the next level? You have come to the right place!

My lessons provide students with an opportunity to deeply explore the voice, build confidence, and to develop healthy and effective singing practices, which can be applied to any style of musical singing and playing.

A well-rounded music education is very important and I have fun and educational resources for learning vocal technique, ear training, harmony, pitch matching and music theory.

I am very fortunate to have performed and studied Classical and Opera, musical theater productions, have sang in Rock, Pop, Country, R&B

bands and can bring that real-world experience into the lesson. The student will receive real hands-on knowledge about singing in a variety of environments and how to manage his/her vocal goals!

In addition to being vocally healthy, I encourage self-expression and enhance self-esteem in my students: singers of all ages, skill levels and styles. Plus, it has to be fun, otherwise why do it? Singing is a process and less about the end goal and we train the body, mind and use imagination and it's a very exciting process!

***My students regularly receive scholarships and placement in music schools and programs around the U.S., have won competitions, do well in auditions, are performing in successful bands and/or recording artists.

I am energetic and enthusiastic; actively promote values and traditional teaching practices coupled with the introduction of technology into the lesson. My experience as an educator is to share passion and talent for music with the next generation of musicians and outstanding communication skills. I really care about my students and provide the tools to help them reach their goals!

Degrees: Bachelor of Music, minor in Psychology from Michigan State UniversityMaster of Vocal Pedagogy from Oakland University

Here is some of my experience as a performer: I have sung Internationally at the renowned Eisteffodd Music Festival in Wales, toured through Britain and performed at the Laupin Agile Cabaret in Paris. I was honored with a nomination to attend the prestigious Yale Cabaret Conference and worked with cabaret legend Julie Wilson and Manhattan Transfer founder Laurel Masse. Sung and performed roles with the Mid-Michigan and Detroit Opera Companies. Performed a production of Sleepwalkers with the Kari Margolis Brown Company at the O'Shaughnessy Theatre. I currently perform all over the Twin Cities with my own R&B/Soul Band, Melody and The Dramatics! Plus, I am a contract vocalist and perform in a variety of other projects, so needless to say, it is all a very awesome ride!

*** Lesson Details ***My laid-back and fun approach allows for versatility and is tailored to meet the needs of the individual student. When studying the art of singing you are gaining skills, which build confidence.

When you understand what you're doing and why, you bring more confidence to your performance. Progress is made with regular practice outside of lessons. Voice students record each private lesson through their devices and take notes in their own notebooks.

I have "warm-up" tracks which you can use in your car or at home and you will notice significant improvement once you start your routine.

Practicing is very important and I have great methods to teach students how to maximize their time and get the best results! I am privileged to have an opportunity to teach and very passionate about coaching a student to meet his or her musical goals!

Also, I have a Beagle named "Bacon" and he will always be very excited to see you, however he does calm down when you're in the studio. In addition, I have two cats, so please let me know if you have allergies or any special recommendations.

The house is in a cul-de-sac and there is ample street parking. Also, in the case of a snow emergency, you will be able to park in the driveway.

*** Specialties ***I teach in a variety of vocal styles including, rock, pop, jazz, country and classical, keyboard and music theory. I have been trained by some of the best instructors in the country and strive for my students to be vocally healthy, so they'll have long careers. I also perform in professional bands, orchestras and can bring that experience into the lesson.Energetic and enthusiastic; actively promote values and traditional teaching practices coupled with the introduction of technology into the lesson. Experienced educator eager to share passion and talent for music with the next generation of musicians and outstanding communication skills.

...

Reviews

John A. April 12, 2017·Piano·In studio

Melody is great!

Alexis Y. April 10, 2017·Singing·In studio

We love Melody! She's awesome and my daughter loves her already. My daughter sings but is a beginner and Melody make sure she understands the first few steps before singing. She's very bright and funny. Love her!

dana March 27, 2017·Piano·In studio

Melody was great. It was my very first piano lesson and she was very kind and generous with support. Looking forward to the next one.

About Yasmin

I studied classical piano and theory with Sr. Cecile Amore, jazz theory and mellophone with be-bop saxophonist John Mastroianni, jazz piano with Noreen Grey, and jazz history with the late Bill Finegan- big-band leader and acclaimed arranger for Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller.

I enjoy playing classical music (primarily Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin) tango, and pop songs as well. I have played keyboards and bass guitar professionally and enjoyed some commercial recognition in California when invited to open for a well known Bay Area band ("Foxboro Hot Tubs" a.k.a. "Green Day") at The Roxy and a handful of other west coast venues.

My music students are introduced to basic music theory, notation, and technique to enable them to play fun, simple melodies after the first lesson, and fun simple arrangements after the first month.My stude

nts can expect lessons to suit their tastes and goals, whether they intend to pursue music formally, professionally, or for personal enjoyment.

*** Lesson Details ***Expect this to be fun! All lessons will incorporate proper playing technique and elements of the most basic theory, no matter the style of music. If students can devote some time to practice every week, they will see results. If students practice daily, they may exceed their expectations!

With each new song or lesson to be learned, I walk you through each part so that your practice time alone is fruitful. I encourage students to tell me what they want to learn. Any arrangement, classical or pop, can be made accessible to any level.

*** Studio Equipment ***In-Studio lessons take place in teacher's home or at Chanson Voice and Music Academy in St. Paul.

*** Specialties ***Ear training, music notation & sight reading, music theory, tablature, lead sheets, solo and ensemble.Classical training, for those so inclined!

...

Reviews

Samuel Cole November 2, 2017·Piano·In home

Yasmin's lessons at her in-home location can be chaotic at times due to young children, however if you can work past this she offers wonderful piano lessons. She is a very kind instructor with lots of patience and knowledge on the subject of piano technique and music theory.

Suzanne August 24, 2016·Piano·In studio

She is very passionate about music and does a nice job with keeping you motivated.

Benjamin B. July 18, 2016·Piano·In studio

SIMPLY AWESOME!!

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Yasmin B.

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Yasmin B.

Minneapolis, MN 55406

(7)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Mary Lou I.

Years of professional teaching, as well as international performance, sets me apart as your piano educator. In addition, I have a 20-year career of professional nursing focused on specialties of cardiac care, psychiatric care, instructor of nursing, and home health director. I am able to work with children or adults with disabilities that require adaptations of the educational approach. I am a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, having begun my own studies at age 5. Students have opportunities at this studio in local, state, and national competitions, piano examinations, and music theory.

About Mary Lou

The studio offers technology as an adjunct to traditional piano study. The art of music is an endeavor generated by the soul and spirit. Continued student success in performance, theory, and composition makes for a dynamic learning place. The teacher maintains her professional standing by performing and working with local, state, and national music organizations. Mary Lou is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music.

A highly regarded pianist and piano pedagogue, Mary Lou Iverson maintains her skills by being a frequent performer and staying in touch with latest pedagogical methods. Performing in Mexico and many areas in the United States, she constantly strives to add a new touch to each performance. As a piano teacher, she consistently has students who are state/national piano competition winners. Welcome to the wonderful world of mus

ic!

...

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Mary Lou I.

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Mary Lou I.

Saint Paul, MN 55124

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

About Matthew S.

M.M. in Piano Performance, B.A. in Performance and Pedagogy. Offering an accelerated course of all styles tailored specifically to each individual. No extra costs of materials, everything provided by Mr. S. His Focus is to make music fun for ANY level student and encourage students to be creative, no matter their goals.

As important as performing is to Matthew, teaching is also an essential part of his mission. His wide knowledge of the instrument's power and his ability to adapt to your goals and learning needs makes him one of the best in the field. Current students are all ages and abilities.

Tablets are encouraged!

Background

Matthew S. is a Mankato, Minnesota native and began performing for the public as a choir accompanist and church musician at age 11. Participation in piano competitions and master classes also helped fuel his passion for the instrument early in life.

Mr. S. earned a B.A. in Piano Performance from Bemidji State University. He received his M.M. ...

About Matthew

M.M. in Piano Performance, B.A. in Performance and Pedagogy. Offering an accelerated course of all styles tailored specifically to each individual. No extra costs of materials, everything provided by Mr. S. His focus is to make music fun for any level student and encourage students to be creative, no matter their goals.

As important as performing is to Matthew, teaching is also an essential part of his mission. His wide knowledge of the instrument's power and his ability to adapt to your goals and learning needs makes him one of the best in the field. Current students range from young to wise.

Biography

Pianist Matthew S. is a Mankato, Minnesota native and began performing for the public as a choir accompanist and church musician at age 11. Participation in piano competitions and master classes also helped fuel his passion for th

e instrument early in life. Still today he is an active chamber musician and also thrives as a soloist.

With the little free time that remains on his schedule, he shares his music with schools, churches, hospitals and friends. He looks forward to continuing his education and to a career of teaching and concertizing.

Mr. S. owes his success to the support of his family and the patience of his mentors.

...

Reviews

AJ July 21, 2017·Piano·In studio

Matt was fantastic and flexible!

Matias December 4, 2016·Classical Piano·In studio

Very fun & awesome piano tutor!

Gail G. August 11, 2016·Singing·In studio

Matt is great! Learned a few things at my first lesson. Looking forward to my next lesson.

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Matthew S.

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Matthew S.

Saint Paul, MN 55113

(15)

starting at

$45
/ 45-min

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About Katrina B.

Small group lessons with a wide variety of fun activities and repertoire, high standards, and a full events calendar. Discovery learning, emotional expression, strong awareness of technique, and exposure to a wide variety of musical genres are emphasized.

About Katrina

Katrina is a classically trained pianist with a master's degree in piano performance and pedagogy. She has been teaching piano students of all ages and skill levels since 2010. While working toward her master's, she specialized in adult and group lessons, and is currently offering small group and online lessons for students ages 8-adult. Katrina believes that group lessons are a great way to keep students actively engaged in learning by providing them with a sense of community, accountability, and fun! Katrina is a member of the Music Teachers National Association. She aims to keep students immersed in piano culture by encouraging them to be involved in MTNA's competitions, exams, and festivals, as well as studio events and joint recitals with other area teachers.

...

Reviews

Gretchen May 25, 2018·Piano·In home

Katina is a wonderful. She worked with my daughter on piano. She was creative in finding pieces that she enjoyed and brought her love of playing back. I would highly recommend Katrina as a piano instructor.

Charles May 24, 2018·Classical Piano·In home

Dear Future Student. I had the pleasure of taking lessons from Katrina for some time in 2017. Katrina is a extremely talented teacher thoroughly knowledgeable in music pedagogy and in piano teaching and in classical music theory. Lessons were pleasant and also rigorous. Since I was a beginner at the time I greatly appreciated the special lessons in posture, hand position, music theory of time, key and pitch and tempo. I highly recommend Katrina to anyone from beginner to advanced.

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Katrina B.

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Katrina B.

Minneapolis, MN 55411

(2)

starting at

$40
/ 60-min

About Sheryl W.

Experienced piano teacher of 37 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages!

About Sheryl

My name is Sheryl W. I have a BA in music from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, and have been teaching piano and flute students since 1979. My goal in teaching is to encourage my students to learn theory and performance, but most of all to achieve lifetime skills and to have fun. I believe music is important to all areas of learning and helps students reach their highest potential. Students can have weekly lessons and will also have the opportunity to participate in performance situations. I believe performing encourages preparation and builds confidence, both of which are important in all aspects of life. I look forward to helping students reach their goals.

...

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Sheryl W.

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Sheryl W.

Burnsville, MN 55337

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Laura P.

Born in the Midwest, I spent seven graduate years in Paris performing, teaching, and researching. I have come to see music lessons as both an intensely personal process and as an interpersonal process.

To beginners: anyone at any age can learn basic piano skills if they devote ten minutes a day to it. To intermediate players: my goal is to train you to be your own primary teacher. To advanced students: I can give you artistic colors for the palette and tools for the journey.

About Laura

Laura has been teaching private lessons and classes since 2009 and is currently teaching in the Dinkytown neighborhood of Minneapolis. Laura has helped students begin new musical journeys, whether at age five or age fifty-five, and encourages seekers of all ages to approach the power of music in their lives as a personal and interpersonal process.

Laura received her musical training at Valparaiso University (Indiana), the Conservatoire de Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (France) and the Sorbonne. As an expert in her field, Laura looks forward to helping new students achieve their goals. Laura's teaching style centers on relaxation, consistency, and developing student independence.

...

Reviews

Nick F. April 16, 2018·Organ·In studio

It was awesome!

Kewei Q. August 9, 2017·Piano·In studio

I had two months' of lessons with Laura over the summer, and learned a ton of new things. Laura has many tricks to help me practicing and get into good playing habits. She gradually add layers of interpretation techniques to a piece, and without realizing it, I had already progressed a lot. Unfortunately I have to move to a new place, otherwise I would definitely love to continue piano study with Laura!

Glen June 27, 2017·Piano·In studio

Very good.

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Laura P.

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Laura P.

Minneapolis, MN 55414

(6)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Kismat S.

I can teach you play your favorite songs Or teach you by the book (music theory, scales, Hanon exercises etc)

About Kismat

I have been playing drums for the past 21 years! I studied jazz drumming at the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory and later taught at the very place for 4 years before moving to the US. Although I majored in jazz I have been traveling the world playing Rock, Reggae, Metal music with my bands and different individual artists.

Suffice to say I can cater to your drumming needs be it jamming out to your fav metal bands or learning jazz licks off of charts. I also studied basic Classical/Jazz Piano and Guitars!

...

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Kismat S.

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Kismat S.

Minneapolis, MN 55414

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Hon Ki C.

I care about the development of overall musicianship, instead of focusing on piano technique, such that the student can understand more about how music functions, and be able to be creative about music. My degree in music theory and experience as an aural skills instructor helps me identify the talents and shortcomings of a student, and I have various methods to help them tackle with difficult parts of the learning process.

About Hon Ki

I have a BEng in Electronic Engineering, BM in Organ Performance, Composition and Music Theory, and I receive full scholarship to complete my MM and PhD in Music Theory, both with graduate teaching assistantship. I am interested in helping you become music literate and enjoy music deeper, and would like to help you reach your musical goals! For tutoring students: I am more than passionate to help you ace your study.

My lessons are laid-back and fast-paced, and all aspects of music-making will be taken care of. I also focus heavily on building musicianship, which helps you go beyond reproducing sounds from printed music. I am also interested in expanding your musical taste, and experiment with new sounds that might excites you.

For my tutoring sessions, I will focus on reinforcing the concepts and ideas, introducing new concepts and

exercises, and a solid wrap-up. My evaluations from my previous tutoring work have proven that my work has successfully improve at least one letter grade for my students.

I am passionate about teaching and sharing my knowledge with you. I look forward to meeting you, learning your needs, and helping you to get you to wherever you want to be!

Affordable

Effective

Piano Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Piano instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Kewei

"I had two months' of lessons with Laura over the summer, and learned a ton of new things. Laura has many tricks to help me practicing and get into good pl

aying habits. She gradually add layers of interpretation techniques to a piece, and without realizing it, I had already progressed a lot. Unfortunately I have to move to a new place, otherwise I would definitely love to continue piano study with Laura!"

...

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Laura P.

Review by Samuel Cole

"Yasmin's lessons at her in-home location can be chaotic at times due to young children, however if you can work past this she offers wonderful piano lesso

ns. She is a very kind instructor with lots of patience and knowledge on the subject of piano technique and music theory."

...

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Yasmin B.

Review by Tony

"Amanda is a friendly teacher who communicated and motivated my 9 year old well."

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Amanda Y.

Review by Marissa

"She was very accommodating to our schedule. Very friendly and really motivated my daughter to want to learn and practice!"

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Ruthie T.

Review by Leyla

"She is very good in motivating and keeping an active 6 year old engaged and exited. She is very delightful. We love having her as our teacher."

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Mariana L.

Review by Lee

"Lauren is patient and inspiring. She has a unique knack for clearly breaking down the lesson for both beginners and intermediate. Her calm approach is ref

reshing."

...

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Lauren V.

Review by Gretchen

"Katina is a wonderful. She worked with my daughter on piano. She was creative in finding pieces that she enjoyed and brought her love of playing back. I

would highly recommend Katrina as a piano instructor."

...

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Katrina B.

Review by Maria

"Maria loves her first piano lesson. Five stars, way to go, yeah👍"

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Blake H.

Review by Susan

"Shae is a wonderful piano teacher. She is patient, kind, and enthusiastic. My daughters really like her and are even willing to practice. She is open t

o their music tastes and encourages them to have fun with the piano. We have enjoyed having her as our piano teacher."

...

Minneapolis, MN teacher:
Shae K.

And they're not alone!

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Free Piano Lessons withan Expert Teacher

Learn how to play the piano in these video tutorials from a professional piano teacher!

Have you always wanted to play the piano?
We’re here to help! Get started with these 20 video tutorials hosted by San Diego, CA
piano teacher Jordan M, one of our expert instructors with TakeLessons.com.
In this free video series, you’ll get an introduction to the instrument and learn a few
easy exercises to get you reading music and understanding rhythm!

Video #1: Intro to the Piano

Intro to the Piano: Learn about the parts of the piano and how to find the
all-important Middle C.

Video #2: Piano Basics

Learn about proper posture, hand placement, and other beginner essentials.

Video #3: Reading Piano Notes

Learn about the treble and bass clefs, and tips for remembering the notes on the piano.

Video #4: Time and Key Signatures

Learn what all those sharps and flats really mean, and how to decode your music.

Video #5: Understanding Rhythm

Follow along to master quarter notes, quarter rests, and half rests.

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